Antonio Cassano is almost certain to start against Sampdoria this evening despite an injury, as Gigi Del Neri hopes to make it two wins on the trot.


“Francesco Totti will definitely be in the starting eleven, while Cassano is 90 per cent,” revealed the Roma boss. “We’ll perform a late fitness test, but I am counting on his presence.”


Both players limped out of a training session with injuries on Thursday, though Cassano was the worst hit with a bruised ankle. These were problems Del Neri did not need after losing Mido, Philippe Mexes, Cristian Chivu and Olivier Dacourt for this match.


“Sampdoria are a tough squad,” warned the former Chievo Coach. “They really are built for battle. To win this, we will need the same attitude shown against Siena last week, with everyone united for a common aim. That’s the only way we’ll get back on top.”


That 4-0 victory at the Stadio Artemio Franchi could be a turning point for the troubled club, especially with the new 3-4-3 tactical system.


“The players are starting to understand me and I am beginning to understand them. At last, Roma are turning into a team.”


Del Neri aimed a final sideswipe at Juventus following the doping trial verdict that cleared the club despite finding their chief of medical staff guilty.


“Before making any comments on the Bianconeri, we should wait for the trial to conclude with the appeals process. At Chievo we were repeatedly given surprise tests, but they found nothing but hard work and sweat. If one of my players was using drugs, I’d throw him out immediately. That won’t happen, as I know what my medical staff are doing.”

Roma (probable): Pelizzoli; Panucci, Dellas, Ferrari; Mancini, Perrotta, Aquilani, Cufre; Totti, Montella, Cassano